Advanced Topics in Liberty

Co-sponsored by IHS and Liberty Fund, Inc.

Our Advanced Topics in Liberty program is an invitation-only weekend conference series which we co-sponsor with Liberty Fund, Inc., an Indianapolis-based organization whose mission is to encourage discussion about the ideas of liberty. These conferences feature in-depth, Socratic-style discussions led by faculty about the foundational questions and challenges within the classical liberal tradition.

While each year’s conference topics and readings raise many different questions, they all touch in some way on the idea of a free society. The goal of these programs is to foster a seminal discussion among a small group of highly talented and motivated people.

Each conference is centered on a fundamental set of ideas within the classical liberal tradition such as “The Scottish Enlightenment” or “Public Choice and Government Failure.” We bring together 15 participants from a variety of disciplines and prepare them with a set of the best, most insightful readings on the topic.

Comments from Previous Participants

“Didn't really know what to expect the first time around, but was absolutely blown away by how much I learned and took away from the experience.”-Law, Liberty and the Rise of the West

“These conferences are an extraordinary opportunity to discuss ideas, broaden my perspective and understanding of complex issues in a way that I would never otherwise have the opportunity to do. It is an invigorating, stimulating, and challenging experience that I would repeat as often as I were allowed.”-Liberty, Legitimacy, and Property in Robert Nozick’s Anarchy, State, and Utopia

“This was just the intellectual jolt, the kick in the pants that my dissertation work needed. Thanks!”-Socialism After Hayek

Conferences for Professionals

Accommodations

IHS provides hotel accommodations at a Westin, Hilton, or equivalent hotel in the Washington, D.C. area and meals throughout the weekend for all of our participants.

Professional conference attendees will have their own rooms. Individuals at Student and Graduate Student conferences will share a room with another participant. If you would not like to share a room, you may be able to buy out the second half of your room, so please let us know.

Checking In

We have paid for your room, but the hotel will require you to present a valid credit card at check in for any incidental room charges such as phone calls or room service. Upon checking in, you should receive a green conference folder containing all the conference details you need. If the person checking you in does not hand you one, please ask for it.

“The weekend vastly exceeded my expectations: good hotel, good food, excellent participants, interesting discussion sessions. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to attend.”– Social Capital

Typical Schedule

All Advanced Topics in Liberty conferences follow the same schedule. Attendance at all parts of the weekend is mandatory, including meals and hospitality. Please use the schedule below as a guide when planning for the weekend.